-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Massachusetts woman found guilty in the first-degree murder of her pregnant friend has been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole , according to Worcester Superior Court .

Julie Corey , who was 35 at the time of the crime , was convicted in 2009 . She was found to have bludgeoned and strangled her friend , Darlene Haynes , 23 , before cutting the baby from the victim 's womb .

Haynes ' body was found in her apartment on July 27 , 2009 . She was eight months pregnant at the time of her death .

Days after the murder , Haynes ' baby was found with Corey in New Hampshire .

DNA evidence and a fingerprint on a bottle at the crime scene tied Corey to the killing , the district attorney 's office said .

According to trial testimony , Corey tried to pass the baby off as her own to family and friends , the statement said .

`` It 's probably the most horrific case this office has seen , '' said Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. `` This woman was killed for her baby . ''

`` There was no surprise in the sentence . It is a mandatory sentence under Massachusetts statutory law . A notice of appeal has been filed , '' said Corey 's attorney , Michael C. Wilcox .

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Julie Corey was convicted in 2009 of murdering her pregnant friend Darlene Haynes

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Haynes ' baby was found with Corey days after the murder

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Court says Corey tried to pass the baby off as her own

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Corey 's attorney says a notice of appeal has been filed